Question

immigrants from germany, scandinavia, ukraine, japan, and china arrived to settle the land. in the 1800s canada also sheltered african americans who had escaped slavery in the united states. canada never practiced slavery. these refugees, many of whom escaped via the underground railroad, were safely beyond the reach of american laws once they arrived in canada.
westward expansion in canada came at a price, however, as immigrants pushed first nations peoples off their lands. the injustice was formally recognized in 1998, when the canadian government apologized to native peoples for their mistreatment. the government established a “healing fund” to make reparations.
in the 1900s canada became an industrialized, urban country. mineral resources were utilized, and hydroelectric projects and transportation systems were developed. world war ii stimulated the economy, making it a crucial military and industrial power. after the war, canada sought to improve federal assistance to its citizens through pensions, unemployment insurance, and medical care.
modern challenges
the united states has more trade with canada than any other country. being neighbors and sharing a border has permitted international trade that is beneficial to the economies of both countries. in 1994 the north american free trade agreement (nafta) eliminated tariffs and other trade barriers between canada, mexico, and the united states. although the open border and a history of cooperation have benefited both countries, some canadians continue to dislike the effect free trade has had on their culture. canadians struggle to maintain a separate identity while being bombarded by u.s. popular culture.
conflicts continue as french - speaking canadians seek greater protection for their language and culture. many desire quebec’s independence and strongly support separatism—the breaking away of one part of a country to create a separate, independent country. in 2012 members from the parti québécois, a political party in quebec that advocates—or publicly supports—separatism, were elected to political office in quebec.
reading progress check
identifying what factors led to the decline of the native populations of canada?

Explanation:

To determine the factors leading to the decline of Canada's native populations, we analyze the text. The key factor mentioned is westward expansion in Canada, which pushed the First Nations peoples off their lands. This displacement disrupted their way of life, likely leading to population decline due to loss of territory, resources, and potential conflicts or hardships associated with being forced from their homes.

Answer:

Westward expansion in Canada pushed First Nations peoples off their lands, which was a key factor leading to the decline of Canada's native populations.